Fauci cites near 'vertical' rise in Covid, but sees hope

Top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci, seen here at a briefing on December 27, 2021, says a near 'vertical' increase in Covid cases may be short-lived

The United States is experiencing "almost a vertical increase" in Covid cases as the Omicron variant sweeps the country, but the peak may be only weeks away, top US pandemic advisor Anthony Fauci said Sunday.

"We are definitely in the middle of a very severe surge and uptick in cases," Fauci said on ABC's "This Week," calling the soaring infection rate "really unprecedented."

But Fauci said the experience of South Africa -- where the strain was first detected in late November and peaked quickly, then subsided almost as quickly -- offered some hope.

The United States, like other countries, has been struggling to find a balance that will protect public health without gravely damaging the economy or slamming key services like policing and air travel.

Fauci again pleaded with parents to be sure their children are vaccinated, wear masks and get tested if need be.

US Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, meanwhile, said the return to the classroom would be challenging, but necessary.

"So we are going to roll up our sleeves, all hands on deck, let's keep our children in the classroom. That should be our default thinking."

"We've lost almost two years of education," he said on ABC. "We can't do it again... The safest place for children is inside a school."

...

Originally published as Fauci cites near 'vertical' rise in Covid, but sees hope